At a time when Ghana’s creative industry is striving for global recognition, celebrated filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso is sounding the alarm over a crisis she says is slowly killing the spirit of local artistry, piracy and copyright abuse.
Speaking at the National Theatre on June 20, 2025, during the premiere of her debut stage production Honeymoon Hotel, Frimpong-Manso didn’t mince words. She lamented the rampant exploitation of intellectual property in Ghana, describing it as a persistent threat to the very survival of the country’s creative momentum.
“It’s absolutely devastating. Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a project for months or even years, only to have it snatched away the moment it’s released. How are we supposed to survive like this?” she told Graphic Showbiz.
For her, the damage goes far beyond lost profits. Piracy, she explained, attacks the soul of creativity itself.
“Piracy doesn’t just steal films; it extinguishes the passion behind them, discouraging their journey and dreams and sends a chilling message to creators: ‘Don’t bother trying’. That’s the reality for many of us.”
She emphasized that the ripple effects are felt across the ecosystem, crippling opportunities, stifling progress, and threatening jobs across the industry.
While Ghanaian filmmakers have made significant progress over the years, Frimpong-Manso believes these gains are in jeopardy if urgent action isn’t taken to safeguard intellectual property.
“We’ve talked about this for years. We’ve had enough discussions; we need real, enforceable action! This isn’t just a plea; it’s a necessity. Protecting our creative works must be a priority for our authorities.”
But the fight against piracy, she argued, isn’t only the government’s responsibility. She urged Ghanaians themselves to reflect on the choices they make as consumers.
“Every time you choose pirated content, you’re undermining not just filmmakers but the entire community of artists, technicians, and storytellers who give so much to create meaningful experiences. Piracy robs us all.”
Ending on a note of unity, she challenged the public to extend the same enthusiasm they show foreign entertainment to local creatives, stressing that homegrown talent deserves equal celebration and protection.
